The Facts

• Dances created before the 1800s that are passed down from generation to generation are considered to be folk dances. Folk dances are often specific to a certain region or social class.
  
  

Features

• Because it is an all-inclusive form of recreation, folk dancing is characterized by simple steps and frequently repeated patterns of movement, making it easy for every member of the community to participate. Additionally, folk dances are typically performed for the enjoyment of the dancers, and not for an external audience.
  
  

Functions

• In medieval times, folk dances were performed as part of a celebration or an important ritual. Since folk dances often originated in rural, agricultural areas of a country, dances were typically linked to the passing of the seasons. Harvest and planting dances were performed when a crop was reaped or sowed, and the popular Maypole dance was performed to celebrate spring.
  
  

Types

• There are many different types of folk dance. Some of the most popular forms still performed today are Irish step dancing, clogging, the Maypole dance and line dancing. Folk dancing is considered to have influenced many present forms of dance, including tap dancing, ballroom dancing and hip hop.
  
  

Significance

• Unlike in medieval times, folk dances are typically performed today for audiences and serve as a living slice of history of a specific culture.